Auctioneer celebrates record year
Nottingham-headquartered auction house, John Pye & Sons Ltd, is celebrating business success having exceeded £33 million turnover for its last financial year. The firm improved on the previous year’s turnover of £26.4 million by over 28 per cent, as it continues to realise its ambitious plans for growth.
Despite the impact of the pandemic, John Pye says it has enjoyed a consistent period of year-on-year growth thanks to its focus on innovation and ability to quickly implement changes. Over the past two years, the auction house has invested heavily in improving its 1 million square feet of auction sales space, implementing new technology and adapting its policies and procedures to mitigate the challenges of the pandemic, which have helped drive the whole business forward.
Investments have included the introduction of a delivery service across its entire UK network and a new client reporting and operations audit system. In addition, the auctioneer has introduced an app for internal stock management and inventory tracking, as well as a cutting-edge trade sales platform for bulk sales and converted all payments to online.
John Pye has also invested in its staff, expanding its team by over 20 per cent in the last year. Currently, around 720 staff are employed across more than 60 auction rooms throughout the auctioneer’s UK network. Last year, in recognition of the firm’s strong period of success, employees were rewarded with £1 million in bonuses, amounting to 40 per cent of the year’s profits. The same profit share is planned again this year – working out as £1.3 million to be paid before the end of the year.
Adam Pye, Managing Director at John Pye & Sons, says: “Reaching this momentous milestone is a huge success story for our business. We’ve invested heavily in our people and procedures over the past two years and to have this investment rewarded in such a significant way is incredibly humbling.
“Despite a fast-moving and transient business landscape, we are fully focused on expansion. Our next major milestone is meeting client needs in Europe, driven by our newly owned facility in Zaragoza, Spain. The launch of our in-house bespoke auction bidding platform will see a big movement in client reporting and customer bidding activity, while our new website will greatly enhance the customer journey.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for the business and we look forward to building on this success to deliver an exceptional retail experience to every client across our growing network. I would like to say a huge thank you to our clients which have supported us over the last few years.”
Nottingham becomes one of five English cities to enter partnership bolstering healthcare technology sector
Nottingham has become a partner city with the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), making it one of just five in England, following the signing of a new agreement with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
With the highest number of HealthTech companies in any region of the UK, the Midlands boasts several world class universities and centres of excellence, with Nottingham alone being home to the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre and NIHR Nottingham Clinical Research Facility, the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF), making it a thriving hub for HealthTech.
As leaders in the development and implementation of healthcare technologies, Nottingham’s universities and their civic partners will provide access to university facilities, support the ABHI in its national policy work and international engagement, and facilitate collaborations between ABHI member companies and regional stakeholders.
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam MBE, pro-vice chancellor for Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham, said: “We’re delighted to have entered this new, exciting partnership with ABHI. This builds on our existing industry partnerships to establish a framework that will enable us to work closely together for the mutual benefit of the Nottinghamshire region, industry and, crucially, patients here, across the UK and the world.”
The partnership forms part of the shared commitments under the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, a collaboration between Nottingham’s two world-class universities and eight key anchor institutions; the agreement sets out partners’ commitments to working across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for the benefit of the local community, its people and place.
One of the key ambitions of the agreement is to establish a Nottinghamshire MedTech innovation cluster, building on the combined expertise and world-class facilities of the two universities.
Professor Van-Tam continued: “We’ve already made progress forging strong relationships in the industry, thanks to our existing collaboration with Medilink Midlands, and firmly believe that this new partnership with the ABHI will help bring our ambitions even closer to reality, making Nottinghamshire into a leading destination to invest in, or establish, new health and life sciences businesses both nationally and internationally.”
Dr Robert Reisel, Managing Director of the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility at Nottingham Trent University, said: “This extremely exciting strategic partnership creates a platform to promote our shared vision, to make good use of the region’s world-leading expertise, innovation and manufacturing facilities as well as strong ties with local communities and MedTech and HealthTech industries.
“The partnership will further support the acceleration and commercialisation of innovations aiming to reduce the cost of care while most importantly improving the lives of people needing care and treatments, and consequently strengthen the region’s aim to become the most desirable MedTech and HealthTech location for investors, innovators and industry nationally and internationally.”
As part of its commitment to Nottingham, the ABHI will provide developers of medical technology with advice, market and regulatory intelligence and networking opportunities to further their areas of research.
Peter Ellingworth, Chief Executive at the ABHI, said: “By bringing in ABHI’s long-standing expertise in areas like regulation, and our deep connections within the NHS, UK government and the wider HealthTech industry, this partnership allows us to provide focussed support for companies, and the broader HealthTech network, in Nottingham.
“The East Midlands has a compelling offer, and we look forward to collaborating to further strengthen this ecosystem, to benefit patients and stimulate growth of the HealthTech sector.”
Platelet Services celebrates record year
Nottingham-based pre-clinical contract research organisation, Platelet Services, has reported another successful year as it celebrates its fourth anniversary.
Platelet Services offers an array of standard and customised platelet testing assays to determine the effect of compounds on platelet function. Working with both small drug discovery companies and large pharmaceutical corporations, Platelet Services offers comprehensive expertise and support in drug discovery and development where platelet function testing is required.
Founded in 2018, Platelet Services has seen year-on-year growth as global demand rises for the company’s core platelet function testing offering, reporting a 60% increase in turnover over the past twelve months.
Earlier this year, the company doubled its lab space at BioCity in Nottingham, in response to the increase in client projects. The space continues to provide the team with greater capacity and flexibility and has helped to drive greater efficiencies including a reduction in the cycle time from agreeing a package of work with a client to the delivery of results.
The company also bolstered the team with the appointment of Dr Paul Cato as senior research scientist back in March.
Natalia Dovlatova, CEO, says: “The company has come a long way over the past four years. During 2022, we have focused on consolidating the team and our core services and are now in a good place to expand our offering both in terms of capacity and flexibility.
“We have been tapping into an ever-improving understanding of client types and needs, and team capabilities, which is helping us to expand what we can offer in terms of capacity, flexibility and new assays.
“Looking ahead to 2023, we are anticipating more of the same and have a strong pipeline, with increased demand from overseas. Our focus is also to provide thought leadership and highlight the importance of platelet function testing in drug discovery projects and target safety assessment.”
Center Parcs settle discrimination claim after amputee denied use of activity slide
CenterParcs UK has settled a discrimination claim following a case where a visitor to their Sherwood Forest Village was denied use of an activity slide due to having a prosthetic leg.
The claim was submitted by Chattertons Solicitors on behalf of Andrew Shaw who was on holiday with his family in November 2021.
During the holiday, Mr Shaw had approached the entrance to one of the activity slides and was stopped by a member of staff who stated that he was not allowed on the slides due to his prosthetic leg and asked him to remove the prosthetic before going on the slide.
Mr Shaw stated that he was unable to do this as he was unsafe without it. The staff member then refused to allow him on the slide. Following further discussion, it was later confirmed that it was Centre Parcs company policy and that he wouldn’t be allowed to use the slides unless he removed it.
Carrie Clewes, head of Chattertons’ Equality team, said: “Acting on behalf of Mr Shaw we wrote to Center Parcs to point out that in providing an activity centre and accommodation service, Center Parcs are providing a service within the meaning of Section 29 of the Equality Act 2010 and are therefore, obliged to comply with the provisions of Section 29.
“This includes the obligation to make reasonable adjustments. By refusing to allow Mr Shaw to partake in the activities, it was alleged that they had discriminated against him and treated him unfavourably because of something arising directly in relation to his disability – his prosthetic.”
In agreeing the settlement, Center Parcs responded by confirming that it was not their intention to discriminate against Mr Shaw and apologised for any inconvenience, embarrassment and upset caused.
They confirmed that they have now amended their internal policy and safety information, to remove any restrictions in relation to guests wearing a prosthetic and ensured that all staff are appropriately trained on the new policy. They further submitted a written apology to Mr Shaw and made a compensatory payment to reflect his injury to feelings, they further covered his legal fees.
2023 Business Predictions: Seb Saywood, investor at BGF
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Seb Saywood, an investor at the growth capital investor, BGF.
Despite predictions that the UK is facing a protracted recession, indicators are pointing towards a softer landing than previously feared.
The price of gas is already much less than at its peak, with inflation, dare we say it, also probably having already reached its highest point. However, there’s no doubt that it will remain a tough environment for discretionary consumer spending, particularly in the mid-market.
While in the medium term spending is likely to hold up, thanks to savings generated during the COVID-19 pandemic, in certain demographics consumers may choose to trade down, resulting in wins for the likes of fast food versus casual dining.
From an East Midlands perspective, the region has a strong reputation in sectors like healthcare, biosciences and more generally in business services, with a growing digital economy too. These sectors are less exposed and will hopefully remain resilient. The good news is that employment also remains high. That, combined with high historical saving levels, will hopefully result in a more benign environment compared to previous recessions.
Whilst energy costs will be painful, rising interest rates may have less of an impact on home owners than initially feared, as the majority of mortgages are on longer-term fixed deals. A steady recovery in the value of sterling will also be very helpful. As with any difficult economy, strong, well-capitalised businesses in resilient sectors will find opportunities to seize market share, particularly from less nimble, over leveraged rivals. I expect to see increased consolidation which could drive fund raising activity.
In terms of the M&A landscape, a more cautious view on valuations is starting to come through for certain types of buyers in some sectors, particularly where leverage is involved. However, valuations for the best, most scarce assets, are likely to hold up. This valuation pressure, which is driven by several macro factors, will affect the timing of exits and might result in an increase in minority deals in 2023. Owner managers looking to sell may be disappointed with headline valuations compared to historical expectations. This will encourage some to retain more equity to maximise the upside.
Go ahead given for new funeral home, commercial space and flats in Clifton
A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service has received the green light from council planners to move ahead with a brand new, purpose-built funeral home with additional commercial space and three residential flats on Clifton high street.
The successful planning application comes as the business further invests in its offering to the Clifton community, relocating from the current branch, Chaworth House on Varney Road.
The new branch on Southchurch Drive will provide more space, measuring 169.1m2 compared to the current home’s 65m2, for both families and team members, a waiting room next to the chapel to allow more privacy and ease for the bereaved, onsite parking, and accessibility. And, as with all A.W. Lymn branches, the new Clifton location will have a cold room, a facility the company prides itself on and is included in all its funeral homes.
Alongside the funeral home, the granted planning permission will see A.W. Lymn create residential and commercial opportunities. With the UK facing a “critical rental shortage,” the creation of three flats above the branch will be a welcome addition to the local high street, as well as the opening of a commercial space next door.
The new location, set to open in 2023 as a more visible face to the community, will be run by funeral director Joanna Widdowson, who has been a part of A.W. Lymn for the past six years.
Joanna said: “I am delighted that we have received planning permission to carry out the new work and am excited to continue delivering the high level of service that we pride ourselves on out of a bigger and better branch. The added space and improvement of the facilities will benefit families and the team, with even easier access as we will be located on the tramline and have onsite parking.”
Pete Clarson, commercial director at A.W. Lymn, said of the move: “It is crucial that we are a visible, easily accessible face within the community. After serving the people of Clifton since 1990, we feel now is the right time to move to a more spacious branch and are investing in a purpose-built funeral home right in the heart of Clifton, with a residential and commercial offering.”
A.W. Lymn is a fifth-generation family business headquartered in Sneinton, Nottingham and has been helping the bereaved in the region for more than 115 years. It employs over 120 staff and operates 27 funeral homes across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Cawarden acquires new equipment after securing £600k funding
Derbyshire-based specialist contractor Cawarden has added a Komatsu high reach demolition excavator to its equipment portfolio, thanks to fresh funding from Paragon Bank.
Based in Derby and a provider of demolition, land remediation, earthworks, civils and groundworks project services throughout the UK, Cawarden secured over half a million pounds to acquire a PC490HRD-11.
The new funding agreement is the latest in a series between Cawarden and Paragon’s SME Lending division, which has seen the two firms work together for over two decades.
Founded over 35 years ago by William Crooks, Cawarden today employs 120 people and has a turnover of £22 million. It provides clients with an integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution, allowing them to deal with only the delivery contractor.
Terry Lloyd, head of construction at Paragon, has worked closely with William Crooks throughout Cawarden’s commercial relationship with Paragon – which now totals funding of over £10 million.
Commenting on the latest funding agreement between Paragon and Cawarden, Terry Lloyd said: “Building close partnerships with businesses is key to what we do. By listening to our clients, understanding their needs, and then providing funding solutions that work for them has allowed us to build our reputation in the sector as a trusted financial partner.
“I’m delighted that we were able to put this experience and expertise to excellent use with our latest funding arrangement with Cawarden.”
He continued: “For our economy to thrive it is vital that fantastic firms such as Cawarden can access the funding they need to ensure they continue to grow and deliver essential services. Without the construction and demolition sector, our country would grind to a halt – and I am proud of the work Paragon does in keeping it moving.”
Commenting on Paragon’s funding support for Cawarden, William Crooks said: “Providing our clients with the highest standard of service is central to our business, and with the addition of a Komatsu PC490HRD-11 to our industry-leading equipment portfolio we will continue to keep doing so in the years ahead.”
He continued: “Working with Terry and the team at Paragon has been an invaluable driver of our growth as a business. Thanks to their commitment to understanding our operations and providing funding solutions that are tailored to our requirements, we’ve been able to develop a partnership that will continue to benefit Cawarden and our clients for years to come.”
Freeths bolsters real estate offering with strategic promotions
Law firm Freeths has promoted partner James Hart to lead the real estate team across the Midlands region and Patrick Adie has also been named national head of housebuilding & strategic land.
James is now responsible for coordinating the firm’s real estate teams across its four Midlands offices in Birmingham, Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. With a long-standing reputation in the region, he leads the relationship for some of the firm’s largest clients.
Patrick Adie has also been promoted to national head of housebuilding & strategic land, with responsibility for promoting the firm’s offering in these key sectors. Patrick is an award-winning solicitor and is ranked as ‘Up and Coming’ in Chambers and Partners 2023.
Partner and national head of real estate at Freeths, Darren Williamson said: “It is our mission statement to be the best national real estate practice in the UK and to be the destination firm for real estate clients.
“We have been consistently ranked as ‘Tier 1’ in the leading directories’ legal rankings where James and Patrick operate, and these appointments will help further our aims.
“Both James and Patrick are ‘home grown’ talent, having trained at Freeths and built outstanding practices over their careers, which serves to highlight why Freeths is such a great place to work. It is a huge pleasure to welcome them into their new roles.”
James Hart added: “Freeths is a national, full-service law firm but our heart is the historic Midlands-based property practice – it is the ‘engine room’ of what we do. I’m looking forward to supporting the team’s growth over the next five years of our business plan.”
Patrick Adie continued: “We have an outstanding reputation in the housebuilding and strategic land sectors, including having acted for many of the top-10 housebuilders for several decades.
“It’s exciting to be able to lead the team on the next stage of our growth plans. I look forward to working with colleagues across our 12 offices so that we can continue to build on our outstanding service for clients, both at regional and national level.”
Frasers Group serves eviction notice to Coventry City
Coventry City has received an eviction notice from Shirebrook-based Frasers Group, new owners of the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The football club says it has been told that it must agree a new licence to play at the Arena, following the Frasers Group acquisition of the stadium from administrators in November.
In a statement Coventry City said: “We were surprised to learn of this intention by Frasers Group, given that discussions with Coventry City prior to the completion of their purchase of the Arena led us to understand the existing terms would continue unchanged with Frasers Group as the new owners of the Arena.”
Coventry City Football Club has an existing long-term licence to play at the Arena, which was agreed in March 2021 to run until 2031.
Coventry City added: “Frasers Group have now presented to Coventry City a new agreement with new commercial terms, which have been presented to us without any dialogue or negotiations, and are less favourable to the Football Club. In addition, this licence would only run until May 2023.
“Frasers Group have said they would negotiate for beyond May 2023, but this leaves us without the security and certainty that our current deal provides to us and our fans.
“To confirm, Coventry City are happy to continue under terms of the current licence which we already have in place to play at the Arena.
“Following Frasers Group’s purchase of the Arena, one of the great assets of the City of Coventry, they stated they were ‘looking forward to working with Coventry City Football Club’.
“Coventry City hope that they will act on those words for the good of the Arena, the Football Club, our fans and the City and community that they are now part of.”
Ambitions Personnel named as Crown Commercial Service Supplier
Recruitment firm Ambitions Personnel have been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Permanent Recruitment 2 Framework agreement.
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) supports the public sector in gaining the greatest commercial value when buying common goods and services. In 2019/20, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits worth over £1bn – supporting world-class public services that offer the best value for taxpayers.
Ambitions Personnel will be delivering recruitment services to Lot 2 – Non-Clinical / General Recruitment, which includes hiring into roles such as administration, customer service and IT.
Managing Director of Ambitions Personnel, Mandy Watson, said: “It’s great that we’re now a named supplier on the esteemed CCS framework. We’ve had many success stories of recruiting into the public sector spanning over 30 years, and now it’s time to expand this – we want to be the go-to recruitment agency.”
Since 2010, the government has launched several initiatives to help support SMEs across the UK.
Mandy continued: “The government’s SME Action Plan allows smaller businesses to compete with much larger organisations. Ambitions Personnel will play a prominent role in efficiently hiring new staff into government roles, helping the government achieve their spending targets for helping small businesses.
“With this step, we’re already looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
